keynote etymology

Etymology

The word "keynote" comes from two Greek words:

• "keinos" - meaning "common" or "general"
• "notos" - meaning "sound" or "note"

Meaning

A keynote is a main or essential idea, principle, or theme of a speech, presentation, or discussion. It sets the tone and provides a framework for the rest of the message.

Origin

The term "keynote" originated in ancient Greece, where it was used to refer to the fundamental note or pitch in music. This note served as a reference point for tuning other instruments and ensuring harmony.

In the 19th century, the term "keynote" was adopted into English and applied to other contexts, such as public speaking. By the early 20th century, it had become widely used to describe the central message of a speech or presentation.

Usage

The word "keynote" is often used in the following contexts:

• The keynote speaker at a conference gives a speech that sets the overall theme and direction of the event.
• The keynote address in a book or article summarizes the main argument or thesis.
• The keynote idea in a creative work serves as the underlying inspiration or driving force behind it.

keynote relate terms

• clef

  Etymology Old French clef Latin clavis key Proto Indo European klew to be

• keynote

  Etymology The word keynote comes from two Greek words keinos meaning common or

• note

  Etymology Note comes from the Latin word nota meaning mark or sign Meaning A

• clef

  Etymology Old French clef Latin clavis key Proto Indo European klew to be

• keynote

  Etymology The word keynote comes from two Greek words keinos meaning common or

• address

  Etymology The word address derives from the Old French word adrecier which in turn

• theme

  Etymology The word theme derives from the Greek word thema θέμα which means s

• speak

  Etymology The word speak originates from the Old English word specan which means to

• tone

  Etymology Origin Middle English toune from Old English tun meaning enclosed set

• subject

  Etymology The word subject derives from the Late Latin subjectus meaning placed und

• thought

  Etymology The word thought comes from the Old English word thoht which means mind

• idea

  Etymology The word idea is derived from the Greek word idein ἰδεῖν meaning

• optic

  Etymology The word optic is derived from the Greek word optikos which means relati